Professor Refiloe Masekela: Leading the charge for children's respiratory health in Africa

In a celebration of remarkable women making significant contributions to academia and healthcare in KwaZulu-Natal, Professor Refiloe Masekela stands out as a shining example of dedication and innovation.

As Dean and Head of the School of Medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), she has established herself as a leader in the field of paediatric pulmonology, earning accolades both locally and internationally.

Masekela's work extends well beyond her role at UKZN. She is a member of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) as a global health research professor, who focuses her research efforts on asthma interventions that specifically target paediatric populations.

Her commitment to children’s health has led to significant strides in understanding and treating asthma, a chronic condition that affects millions worldwide.

Central to her research interests is the epidemiology of asthma, with a keen emphasis on ensuring equitable access to affordable medications.

Masekela is actively engaged in enhancing access to pulmonary diagnostic testing throughout African settings. Her pioneering work is pivotal, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, which often face severe healthcare disparities.

Professor Masekela also serves as a faculty member at the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), where she collaborates on multidisciplinary research initiatives aimed at tackling urgent respiratory health challenges.

With her extensive knowledge and leadership in the field, she has gained recognition as a global leader in asthma research, occupying several influential positions within professional societies. Notably, she holds the title of co-chair of the Global Asthma Network (GAN) and president of the Pan African Thoracic Society (PATS).

Her involvement includes contributing as a Science Committee Member for the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA)m which is a part of the European Respiratory Society’s Global Lung Initiative (GLI) Network.

“At the national level, I am excited to serve as the president-elect of the South African Thoracic Society,” Masekela stated, highlighting her profound commitment to advancing respiratory health in South Africa.

Professor Masekela's dedication is not merely focused on research; she is equally committed to nurturing future generations of researchers in Africa.

As the co-Director of the Pan African Thoracic Society Methods in Epidemiology, Clinical and Operational Research (PATS-MECOR) programme, she plays a vital role in training healthcare professionals across the continent.

This structured programme empowers them with the skills needed for epidemiological, clinical, and operational research methodologies, fostering a new wave of respiratory health experts in Africa.

Through her unwavering passion and leadership, Professor Refiloe Masekela is not just changing the landscape of paediatric pulmonology; she is also inspiring a movement towards better health outcomes for children in Africa and beyond.

DAILY NEWS